Celebrating 20 Years
Upcoming Events Alumni Community Partners
Historical Resources Support the College Anniversary Elements
On Friday, July 28, 2006, the University of Nebraska Board of Regents gave unanimous approval for a College of Public Health to be established on UNMC campus.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health stands as a testament to "Two Decades of Science, Service and Solidarity." Since its establishment in 2006, the college has evolved from the first new college at UNMC in nearly four decades into a global leader in public health education and research.
Upcoming Events
"As we mark 20 years of science, service and solidarity, we are committed to driving public health forward. We are excited to spend the coming months honoring our history while actively building a bolder, more equitable future of health that our world deserves." – Dean Ali S. Khan
Two Decades of Science, Service and Solidarity
This milestone reflects twenty years of science through groundbreaking research in areas like infectious disease, agricultural safety, cancer and maternal and child health—efforts that were further solidified by the 2011 opening of the state-of-the-art Harold M. and Beverly Maurer Center for Public Health.
The college’s history of service is deeply rooted in its commitment to global health security and community resilience, from the Great Plains to the Global South. From its early days as a joint Master of Public Health program to its current status as a champion for health equity, the institution has collaboratively and relentlessly sought new and creative solutions to the most challenging problems in public health while working to prevent them from happening in the first place.
By cultivating a world-class public health workforce and fostering deep-rooted collaborations—ranging from Nebraska’s local health departments to international organizations—the college has transformed the health landscape. All while reaching towards its vision of "healthiest people and places worldwide."
Ultimately, the spirit of solidarity defines the college’s impact. Whether leading the global response to the Ebola crisis, tackling health disparities in rural communities, or navigating the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic, the UNMC College of Public Health has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the communities it serves. As it looks toward the future with a vision of "healthiest people and places worldwide," the college remains dedicated to the collaborative and innovative spirit that has guided its first twenty years.
Alumni
The COPH Alumni Council has partnered with the college to offer multiple opportunities to join in our celebration. Make sure your contact information is up-to-date so you don't miss out on any details!
Nominate yourself or a peer for alumni recognition this year
We want to showcase the incredible accomplishments of our alums, and we need your help to identify those who are making a difference through their careers, leadership, service, research, advocacy, or community impact.
20th anniversary alumni events
Recognizing COPH Community Partners
As the UNMC College of Public Health celebrates 20 years of advancing public health, the college is recognizing the Heart Ministry Center as its 20th anniversary community partner for its longstanding commitment to improving the health and well-being of individuals and families across Omaha.
Learn more about this recognition.
Nominate a COPH Partner for a 20-Year Feature
As part of the college's 20-year anniversary celebration, COPH employees are encouraged to submit nominations for partners who have helped build the college over the last 20 years.
We will have two ways to recognize these incredible partners:
- COPH Partner Spotlight Interviews and
- Outstanding Partner Recognition.
COPH Partner Spotlight Interviews
Six external partners will be selected over the course of 2026-2027 to participate in a video recorded interview highlighting their work, their relationship with the college, and their contributions to public health.
Nominate a Partner for a Spotlight
Outstanding Partner Recognition
Two external partners (individuals or organizations) will be selected (one in 2026 and one in 2027) to receive a commemorative recognition plaque and COPH swag package in appreciation of their impact and partnership.
Oral Histories
Discover interviews of College of Public Health employees throughout the years.
Ways You Can Support COPH
- Amplify the college's content on social media channels by sharing, liking or commenting on our posts on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
- Share out the college's 20th anniversary landing page with your network.
- Join us in marking two decades of science, service and solidarity by making a gift to the We Will Not Rest Fund. Let's move public health forward!
Meaning Behind Our Anniversary Logo
Our anniversary logo reflects both the college's history and celebrates its bright future. Portions of the 20-year tagline, "Two Decades of Science, Service and Solidarity" wrap around the top. Twenty rays extend outward from the number 20, representing each year of the college's history while symbolizing its expanding impact on public health. Five bold colors represent the college's academic departments, with lighter shades of those colors illustrating how the disciplines connect through the college's centers, programs, partnerships and communities.
Anniversary-Branded Elements
Anniversary-branded elements are available via request for COPH employees. To request the following items, please contact Belinda Boelter.
- Anniversary logo
- Email signature
- Zoom backgrounds
- Slide deck template